Since its inception in 1915, Black History Month has served as a vital platform to document the journey of Black people from the shackles of slavery to their ongoing fight for equality and civil rights. It also celebrates the significant civic and cultural contributions of the Black community to society. Every February, and throughout the year, major streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Hulu leverage this national observance to spotlight the rich catalog of works by Black creatives and those featuring Black talent.

This period is an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of Black activists, icons, and trailblazers, or to enhance and possibly correct your knowledge of US history through compelling documentaries. Whether you're aiming to broaden your viewing repertoire with content crafted by or starring Black creatives, or simply wish to (re)watch influential films and series that have shaped and continue to influence cultural narratives, Black History Month offers a perfect moment to do so.

To help you navigate the vast selection available, here are curated picks from each major streaming platform:

Jump to the streaming platform picks:

• What to Watch on Apple TV+
• What to Watch on Disney+
• What to Watch on Hulu
• What to Watch on Max
• What to Watch on Netflix
• What to Watch on Peacock
• What to Watch on Paramount+
• What to Watch on Prime Video

Engaging with movies and shows that feature Black casts or center the perspectives of Black individuals is one of the most accessible ways to learn about and celebrate Black creativity. You might discover new connections or find relatable stories in these narratives. Below, we've compiled some of the best and most popular titles available on these streaming platforms to help you build your watchlist and continue celebrating and reflecting on Black history.